Are There Lightweight Campers You Can Pull With A Car?
If you want to buy a camper and hit the road for some adventures, first off, you need to know what type of campers are possible to tow. An RV is only as good as its tow vehicle, so you need to make sure that you buy a model that’s light enough for your chosen vehicle to pull. That being said, there are certainly lightweight campers you can pull with a car!
Trucks are often the go-to vehicle for RV owners, but the industry has expanded over the years, so there is a wide variety of options for drivers of less heavy-duty vehicles. Obviously every make, model, and year of car is going to be a bit different in their maximum tow capacity, but many vehicles can pull between 1,000-5,000 lbs. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on campers that can be pulled by a vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 3,500 (which is a common mid-range measurement).
Of course, there are always going to be some vehicles that can’t pull an RV at all, but most day-to-day cars can handle a small camper. Let’s explore some of the main lightweight camper types, and some possible models to look into.
Pop Up Campers
If you love camping and RVs, a pop-up camper might be the right middle-ground option for you. These are lightweight campers you can pull with a car and they form a bridge between travel trailers and traditional tents. Essentially, this type of RV is a small travel trailer that has fold-out sections that can be used to expand the space and give a more tent-like feeling.
Below are three pop-up campers that are lightweight and have a variety of amenities. They are all popular and might work well for people with different preferences because some have larger floorplans than others.
Rockwood Extreme Sports Package 1970ESP
This pop-up trailer from Forest River is one of the heaviest options on this list, but it still weighs in at a manageable 2,076 lbs. That’s within the towable range for most average cars, plus you get to enjoy the benefits of a slightly larger camper!
The Rockwood Extreme Sports Package has two fold-out sections, each of which contains a separate bed. There is also a sofa bed in the middle of the trailer, plus a booth-style dinette, a small kitchen, and a refrigerator. This is a perfect option for people who are looking for lots of sleeping space and a compact floor plan.
SylvanSport GO
No list of lightweight pop-up campers would be complete without the SylvanSport GO. This is one of the best lightweight campers you can pull with a car because of its extremely compact design. It only weighs 840 lbs. so it’s compatible with almost any vehicle. It can fold down into a tiny box when not in use, and expands to a spacious tent-like structure later.
There’s even an equipment rack on the top where you can store bikes, kayaks, skis, or any other bulky equipment. The SylvanSport Go comes with a dining table, four seats, and your choice of either 2 XL twin beds or a single king-sized bed. You’ll really feel like you’re camping in a stylish tent when you choose this camper!
Earth Traveler T250LX
This unit from Earth Traveler is one of the lightest RVs on the market. With its base weight of 298 lbs, even if your car isn’t built for towing, it should be able to handle a unit like this with no problem!
This camper bridges the gap between a pop-up camper and a teardrop trailer, but it doesn’t neatly fit into either category. The Earth Traveler has an interior setup that can sleep 4 people, plus several pop-up walls and a ceiling. If you can afford to add a bit more weight, upgrades such as solar panels and kitchen amenities are available as well.
Teardrop Trailers
Teardrop trailers are another lightweight option for car drivers to consider. These are basically miniature versions of travel trailers that only contain the bare necessities. They’re tiny, relatively cheap, and perfect for couples or solo campers. All teardrop trailers are lightweight campers you can pull with a car, but we selected some of the lightest/best-equipped options for you to consider below.
Droplet XL
Weighing in at 950 lbs, the Droplet XL is one of the best campers you can pull with a car. This is a modern trailer that was designed to be accessible to everyone, including people with low towing capacities. The main cabin of this trailer includes a queen-sized mattress, large windows, and a good amount of storage space too.
The rear of the trailer has a galley that can be used for cooking or additional storage. You can pack a sink, stove, and refrigerator with you when you choose to travel with the Droplet XL. It’s a well-outfitted unit that has all the necessities you need for a camping trip.
Meaner Bean
Bean Trailer has been a top manufacturer of high-quality teardrops for many years. They specialize in off-road designs and all of their models weigh less than 2,000 lbs. This is ideal for the average car because the drivers get to enjoy the portability and the well-designed comforts in one convenient package.
The Meaner Bean is the heaviest of the Bean trailer designs, but it still weighs only 2,000 lbs. It comes equipped with a queen-sized mattress, a ton of storage options, built-in lighting, and a convertible design that can turn into a dining area or a sleeping area. It also includes a rear galley that is perfect for outdoor cooking!
Timberleaf Pika
Timberleaf is another major name in the world of teardrop trailers. The Pika is one of their smallest models, weighing in at 1,025 lbs. It’s a rugged and cozy camper that is designed for off-roading.
Each trailer includes a double mattress that is perfect for a couple or a solo camper. Netted storage areas are available throughout the cabin and the rear includes a galley. There is a ton of storage available, as well as kitchen amenities like a large countertop, outlet and USB ports, and a refrigerator. This is a good lightweight unit for adventurous travelers.
RVers looking for valuable how-to information have learned to go to the experts. Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.
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